Potenciálmérket

Potenciálmérket, often translated as potential meter or potentiometer, is an electrical component that acts as a variable resistor. It typically consists of a resistive element, such as a carbon track or wire wound around a former, and a movable wiper that slides along this element. By adjusting the position of the wiper, the resistance between the wiper terminal and either end terminal of the resistive element can be changed. This makes it useful for controlling voltage levels within a circuit.

The primary function of a potenciálmérket is to divide voltage. When connected across a voltage source, the wiper's position determines the proportion of the total voltage that appears at the wiper terminal. This allows for fine-tuning of voltage outputs, making it ideal for applications such as volume controls in audio equipment, dimmers for lights, and calibration adjustments in electronic devices.

Potenciálmérket can be used in two main configurations. As a variable resistor, it's connected between two terminals, with the third terminal acting as the common connection. In this setup, it functions as a rheostat, varying the resistance in a circuit. More commonly, it's used as a voltage divider, where the input voltage is applied across the entire resistive element, and the output voltage is taken from the wiper and one of the end terminals. The specific type of potenciálmérket, such as linear or logarithmic, dictates how the resistance or voltage changes with the wiper's movement, impacting its suitability for different applications.